Tennis Australia, Monash University and AKQA have launched Action Audio, an online audio stream designed to make the Australian Open broadcasts accessible for almost 600,000 Australians and 285 million people living with blindness or low vision.
In a world first, this system will be enabled for a global audience during the following 2021 Australian Open finals:
- Women’s Singles Final - 20 Feb 2021, 7:30PM AEDT
- Men’s Singles Final - 21 Feb 2021, 7:30PM AEDT
Action Audio uses Tennis Australia’s real-time ball position data to make the ball ‘audible’ to blind audiences. By applying sound design principles to the ball data, blind and low vision audiences can follow the speed and trajectory of the ball, its proximity to the line, and a player’s shot type in 3D audio.
“It’s a great example of our commitment to expanding access to the game, and making the Australian Open experience as welcoming, safe and inclusive as possible,” Blind Sports Victoria CEO Maurice Gleeson said.
“I think everyone has the right to have as much access as possible. I love tennis, but being totally blind, all I can usually hear is the ball going up and down and then I have to wait for them to announce the result. I’m really looking forward to this next step forward in accessibility,” he said.
Once again our valued audience right across Australia will be able to hear the action in partnership with AO Radio, as Vision Australia Radio simulcasts the tournament until the men’s singles final this Sunday.
Tune in and you’ll hear Rod Laver Arena matches, plus regular score updates from the outside courts, as we broadcast across Vision Australia Radio network along with news, player interviews and more, directly from the presenting team at AO Radio.
To experience and learn more about Action Audio, visit the Action Audio website and be sure to listen live on the 20 and 21 February 2021 on AO Radio.
For technical assistance or to learn more, you can contact Action Audio directly by email on [email protected]
